Top African acts nominated for 2019 MTV EMAs

"The Best African Act at the 2019 MTV EMAs has been a powerful platform for elevating African talent and music since its inception," BET International and Viacom International Media Networks Africa executive vice-president and managing director Alexi Okosi said. "We are excited to reveal this year’s incredible group of nominees who are making waves in Africa and around the world."

The announcement comes after Falz (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana) and Nasty C were nominated in the Best International Flow category at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards in New York on 6 October.

The 2019 MTV EMAs will air on MTV Africa (DStv channel 130) in 180 countries on 3 November at 8pm CAT.

US singer Ariana Grande is nominated for seven awards, followed by Billie Eilish (US), Lil Nas X (US) and Shawn Mendes (Canada), with six nominations each.

Latin American sensation J Balvin follows closely with five nominations while Taylor Swift (US) has four nods.

Vote for your favourite Best African Act here.